PNLC Meeting Minutes - Port Nelson

Minutes Port Noise Liaison Committee #11
Date: 3 Feb 2010
Venue: Port Nelson Board Room
Time:
6pm
Present: Bob Dickinson (Chair), Matt McDonald (PNL), Thomas Marchant (PNL), Digby Kynaston (PNL), Jacquetta Bell (PNL minutes);
Bruce Robertson, Sue Thomas, Albert Hutterd (residents’ reps).
Agenda Discussion Action Points Arising
1. Previous
minutes
Sue reiterated her request for hard copy minutes. Clarification of who made the complaint re
containers falling.
Passed, Albert/Digby
2. Matters arising Wind & containers: Sue said Enza crates are stacked in a zigzag formation, to resist wind?
Albert thought this was to follow the contour of the road. Digby said this method would take up
too much space with containers, would make movements more difficult and any change would
affect existing infrastructure. Matt said containers were already stacked to maximise wind
resistance; also port is subject to winds from a range of directions.
Noise monitor is now mounted on cement silo, but there are some IT issues to sort out,
reporting methods be sorted, calibrations to be done. Then NCC will need to sign off on
position of monitor.
Weather station also to be placed on silo, and will give data on wind speed etc.
Question as to whether PNL offers weather information from Fairway Beacon to the public.
3. Noise complaints Three calls since last meeting, all regarding night of 8 Dec, while JPO LEO and Spirit of
Resolution were at MWS. Ian Northrop lodged two separate complaints. Lashing bars dropped
onto deck whilst unloading Spirit of Resolution – discussion around dropping bars and need for
person at the bottom to control landing. JPO LEO - extremely noisy overnight, short impact
noise from container discharging.
Mike Young rang the next day and said this was one of the noisiest nights he has ever had.
Questioned whether new crane drivers were on for the night. Hatch lids being placed on top of
each other on the vessel was the main source of noise.
Digby showed supervisor’s noise log – benefit is in operators being aware of this random
check. Thomas said continuous monitoring will remove ‘ifs and buts’. Sue asked what action is
taken to encourage compliance. Digby explained the progressive warning/performance
management system.
Bob asked about failure to follow procedure on night of Dec 8. Digby said complaints don’t
always go straight to supervisors. Reinforces need for calls to be made at the time.
Noted that if calls go to NCC, they alert PNL.
Question about why JPO LEO is noisy. It is big, but similar to Cap Capricorn. Has to be
berthed at MWS, always comes on Sunday night - may add to the irritation factor.
4. Annual Report Noise Variation states: “An annual summary of the activities of the Port Noise Liaison
Committee taken from the minutes of the committee meetings is to be provided to owners of
noise-affected properties. The summary to be provided to any member of public on request.”
Thomas to action.
Noise monitor show & tell
at next meeting.
Digby to look into
providing weather
information on PNL
website.
Sue to contact Mike and
Ian suggest they put
gatehouse number on
speed dial so they can
ring at the time noise
occurs.
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5 Stage 3
contributions
criteria.
6 Update on
mitigation work
Sue believed this requirement was being met through the residents’ newsletter. Discussion
over whether the reporting should be done by the residents’ reps or from the committee.
Concluded that residents’ reporting had been done under interim provisions.
Thomas had put some highlights together from the minutes. Question about whether minutes
are available online – no, but they could be.
Sue suggested a newsy letter would be read more. Jacq suggested a newsy letter, with the
summary of the minutes as an attachment – general agreement that this would provide
readability and meet the requirements of the Variation.
Thomas tabled the factors that must be considered when assessing applications for assistance
with acoustic treatment: These include internal noise levels and effect of Port Noise on the
occupiers’ internal enjoyment of the property – Matt concerned about vagueness of this.
PNL is currently providing an acoustic report on request, with the committee making a
recommendation on work to be done and payment.
With Stage 3 properties the port noise liaison committee has to provide technical advice and
the port operator up to 50% of acoustic treatment costs. Bob said in effect Stage 3 properties
would have to be treated in much the same way as Stage 2: i.e. request from owner, report
from expert, then it comes to the committee, they decide if PNL should pay 50% - seen as
norm rather than maximum. Sue said there wouldn’t be a deluge, Bob said the 50% hurdle
would put a lot of people off. Sue said people would be amenable to negotiation over priority
of work and cost.
Decided the criteria would remain in place, and Stage 3 would be treated the same as Stage 2,
the difference being that residents initiate request for assistance. Sue said new residents are
likely to be the ones seeking help. Noted that the committee will need to record all requests
from Stage 3 properties.
Question from Bruce re a residents house. The report says the windows need to be made to fit
better, but if she wants double glazing it will be at her cost over and above the cost of single
glazing to meet noise requirements.
Thomas tabled update.
Stage 1: Work done on a Queens Rd property, at less cost than original plans indicated, may
need more tweaks to ventilation and ceiling insulation. Further readings to be taken.
Stage 2: Nevil has been down and 5 acoustic reports are due in (bringing total to 21 out of 41).
Work is proceeding as agreed on three properties and residents are happy.
Stage 3: seven reports have been done. One resident wants to go ahead with work on their
porch. Sue’s house available as demonstration of noise mitigation treatment.
7 AOB Residents’ reps noted they indicated the shift in attitude from Port Nelson.
Meeting closed at 7.40. Next meeting, TBC, PNL boardroom, 1800hrs.
Thomas to look into
putting the minutes of the
committee meetings on
PNL website.
Sue to assist Thomas with
writing the newsy covering
letter.
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